“Absorbed” is one of those rare novels that doesn’t just tell a story; it takes you back in time. Set in the late 90s, it immerses you in a world that feels familiar and nostalgic, full of the scenery and nuanced emotions of being a teen at the cusp of adulthood. For anyone who lived through that era, every page is a reminder of moments long past but not forgotten. The author perfectly captures the music, food, pop culture, and energy of that period, creating a beautifully authentic backdrop for Stacey’s journey.

As I read, I found myself not only empathizing with Stacey but also revisiting my own teenage years—memories that felt so relatable to her experiences. This story is a true page-turner, and even when I wasn’t reading, I was thinking about Stacey and reflecting on similar moments from my life. The title, “Absorbed,” couldn’t be more fitting because I felt like a character in the book, observing events as they unfolded in real time.

This novel is perfect for anyone looking to revisit the magic and messiness of late-90s youth, as well as for younger readers curious about what life felt like before the digital age truly took over. It’s a captivating story about growth, self-discovery, and the universal challenge of finding your place in the world.

The title says it all! I was one hundred percent absorbed in this story from the start and absolutely loved it. The characters are fantastic and the writing is superb. Loved it!

I was totally “Absorbed” in this book from page one. It magnificently pairs the excitement of teenage life with the bittersweet consequences that are often out of a young adult’s control. The arc of a group of teens who work together at a pool intertwine inextricably with the universal angst that plays, sometimes heartlessly, with the songs, emotions, and consequences of lives barely lived. This first book by Jaime Townzen does not disappoint. It is a must-read for young adults and their parents alike.

The characters in Absorbed feel so real I want to talk to them in real life. Jaime Townzen has done a wonderful job bringing the characters to life and painting a very realistic and nostalgia-inducing setting back in 1996. It was fun to revisit the drama of a high school senior trying to figure out how to navigate issues related to self-identity, body image, and friendships. What started out as a nice beach read, or more appropriately, poolside read, took a more serious turn towards the end and this elevates Absorbed from a good book to one worth recommending to friends.

In Jamie Townzen's debut novel, "Absorbed", you become transported to a very unique time and place- high school in the late 90s. She creates a vivid yet nostalgic environment naming places and songs that immediately stir up your own memories of the emotional rollercoaster during those formative years. Through various, fully formed characters, Townzen tackles the timeless struggle against the pressure not to compromise your character, friendships or values in order to fit in and be accepted by your peers. I was struck by how Townzen uses poignant dialogue between all of her characters, forcing them to confront their own misconceptions about one another and how they all struggle to belong. This book is a great way to begin conversations with your own teens or loved ones as it shows that honest discussions can lead to healing and reconciliation.

Thank you to NetGalley and Palm Tree Press Books for providing this book, with my honest review below.

I wasn’t a teenager in the 90’s but Absorbed gave me all kinds of nostalgia for that time. While marketed as a book for teens, this story takes the reader to a very real place which is realistic for a teen but would also appeal for many adults.

Stacey lives with her mother and has a massive crush on Jesse, a boy who seems to be perfect. With the paid working together as lifeguards for the summer Stacey is hoping to spark a romance. This all sounds very YA, no? With the initial opening it undoubtedly is but we learn more about Stacey, her self doubt despite her artistic talent and vitality, her strained relationship with her obviously caring mother, and her isolation from most of her peers. The nostalgia had me interested in this book, but in any decade those feelings and experiences can be shared. As the story takes a serious turn with Stacey getting what she most desired - Jesse - but not in the way she fantasized, and series of terrible accidents, Stacey brings the reader along as she deals with some very adult issues, which once again I think reflects some of the struggles we still face or may reflect on when growing up.

This hit a chord, and I think other readers would find it to resonate for them as well.

This was everything that I wanted from this type of book, it had that concept that I was looking for from the description and enjoyed the characters and how they developed from it. Jaime Townzen has a strong style for this genre and that the characters worked overall in this story.

I thought the book was geared more for a teen crowd in the first half. But as I got further in, the story grew more relatable, the author’s words seemed to flow effortlessly, and my interest in the story grew stronger. By the time I had reached that point, I found it hard to put down. Most readers will connect with their own awkward moments of pubescent days and relate to the struggles of being a teen, and trying to figure out where you fit in. I enjoyed the book and think others will, too.

I just finished reading this new incredible book “Absorbed”. By Jaime Townzen. I couldn’t stop reading this book and I really didn’t want the book to come to an end. It took me back to HS literally. I loved how she identified different music groups and artists by name that was fun because I had some of these in my own personal collection. I really enjoyed Stacey’s character and how confident she was even if she didn’t feel confident her self. The ending was a surprise to me but a GREAT surprise. This book is a must read. You will definitely not be disappointed.

It just goes to show, no matter where you were raised , we all experience similar growing pains! Jaime Townzen’s debut novel, “Absorbed” delves into the life of 17 year old Stacey Chapman during the summer of the mid 90’s!

This book is so relevant, whether you are 16, 36 or 56, there is something so identifiable in every chapter! A page turner for sure, I actually denied myself reading the whole thing at once as I didn’t want it to end!
Be prepared to be taken back with music references you may have forgotten; be prepared to relive those teenage moments and be thankful we’ve all turned out just fine! Be prepared to read one of the best stories you’ll ever come across.

Thank you, Jaime, for allowing me to read this before it’s even published. It was an honor and privilege. I’m so proud of all you have achieved in the past couple of years. You, my dearest friend, are going places and I couldn’t be happier to be on the ride!

“Absorbed” is a fast-paced, coming of age novel set in the summer of 1996, with imagery that evokes the sounds, smells, feelings and visuals of high school. As we age, we tend to remember HS in the best ways – not the anxiety, self-doubt, insecurity and relationship drama with friends and family. Through Stacey Chapman, the reality of what that time was like comes alive – for better or worse. Few novels make me stay up late to read and also have me thinking about them when I wake up, but with “Absorbed” I wanted to know what happens next with the well-developed characters and engaging plot. I highly recommend this book for teens and their parents to heighten their awareness of how alone kids feel and ways to support them through the tumultuous HS years. I’m already looking forward to Jaime Townzen’s next novel!

This novel, set in the summer of 1996, beautifully captures the intense, emotional turbulence of coming of age. As someone who was a teen in the 90s, the music and pop culture references instantly transported me back to that era, stirring up memories of my own experiences. The band and song references throughout the story were so much fun - I found myself grinning each time a familiar track was mentioned and being inspired to listen to those same songs I loved back then. These details added such depth to the scenes, bringing the time period to life and evoking the mood and energy of the 90s music scene. The characters are incredibly relatable, especially Stacey, whose struggles with identity, self-esteem, and the pressure to fit in. Her journey is both raw and real. This is a fun and nostalgic read for anyone who remembers the emotional rollercoaster of being a teen in the 90s and is interested in the timeless story of self-discovery.

Such a nostalgic read for me. I graduated high school in 1996 so the song references got me! I liked the characters and the lifeguarding aspect along with the self-discovery and friendship aspect. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.

Very interests unexpected book. I thought it was going to go one way and it completely took me in a different direction. I love the 90s throwback aspect to it’s well. It was a whole different world back then.